§ 73. Sir W. Smithersasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the disease in the cocoa plant in West Africa is spreading; and what steps are being taken to counter it.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe extent to which swollen shoot disease is spreading will not be exactly known until the intensive survey of cocoa areas now in progress has been completed. It is estimated that about to per cent. of the area under cocoa in the Gold Coast is now affected. In Nigeria the incidence is much less severe, probably about 1 per cent.
The only effective means of control known at present is to cut out the diseased trees and this the West African Governments are doing. The whole resources of the Agricultural Department of the Gold Coast which has been substantially strengthened for the purpose are being concentrated on the campaign. So far over 2½ million trees have been cut out there; to replace them extensive replanting is planned, and a compensation scheme is being introduced. Meanwhile the West African Cocoa Research Institute is undertaking close study of the disease and of other possible methods of control.